CaughtOffside » Real Madrid http://www.caughtoffside.com English Premier League Football News Blog Tue, 21 May 2013 20:29:04 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5 Chelsea to Launch £25m Bid for Bayern Munich Striker Mario Gomezhttp://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/21/chelsea-to-launch-25m-bid-for-bayern-munich-striker-mario-gomez/ http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/21/chelsea-to-launch-25m-bid-for-bayern-munich-striker-mario-gomez/#comments Tue, 21 May 2013 15:58:08 +0000 Mark Brus http://www.caughtoffside.com/?p=145868 Incoming Chelsea boss targets German striker.

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Jose Mourinho is plotting a £25million bid for Bayern Munich striker Mario Gomez if he returns as Chelsea manager this summer, according to the Daily Mail.

The Portuguese coach has been confirmed as leaving Real Madrid at the end of the season, and is expected to return to his old club Chelsea after emerging as the club's top target to replace interim manager Rafael Benitez.

The 50-year-old has been unhappy at Madrid this season, and has already been making plans for Chelsea's moves in the summer transfer window, reportedly plotting raids on his current club for the likes of Sami Khedira and Xabi Alonso.

The Blues are also in desperate need of a new striker, as they look to replace the misfiring Fernando Torres. The likes of Edinson Cavani and Radamel Falcao have previously been linked, while Mourinho is also a fan of Borussia Dortmund frontman Robert Lewandowski.

However, Lewandowski looks certain to be joining Bayern Munich, which could free up German international Mario Gomez for a move to Stamford Bridge.

The 27-year-old has not been a regular for Bayern this season, despite scoring an incredible 41 goals for the club the season before. He is still known to be a lethal finisher and Mourinho hopes he will be available this summer.

]]> Incoming Chelsea boss targets German striker.

Check in to Transfer Window: Done Deal Alerts

Jose Mourinho is plotting a £25million bid for Bayern Munich striker Mario Gomez if he returns as Chelsea manager this summer, according to the Daily Mail.

The Portuguese coach has been confirmed as leaving Real Madrid at the end of the season, and is expected to return to his old club Chelsea after emerging as the club's top target to replace interim manager Rafael Benitez.

The 50-year-old has been unhappy at Madrid this season, and has already been making plans for Chelsea's moves in the summer transfer window, reportedly plotting raids on his current club for the likes of Sami Khedira and Xabi Alonso.

The Blues are also in desperate need of a new striker, as they look to replace the misfiring Fernando Torres. The likes of Edinson Cavani and Radamel Falcao have previously been linked, while Mourinho is also a fan of Borussia Dortmund frontman Robert Lewandowski.

However, Lewandowski looks certain to be joining Bayern Munich, which could free up German international Mario Gomez for a move to Stamford Bridge.

The 27-year-old has not been a regular for Bayern this season, despite scoring an incredible 41 goals for the club the season before. He is still known to be a lethal finisher and Mourinho hopes he will be available this summer.

]]> http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/21/chelsea-to-launch-25m-bid-for-bayern-munich-striker-mario-gomez/feed/ 0 Mark BrusTue, 21 May 13 16:58:08 +0000Incoming Chelsea boss targets German striker. Napoli Confirm Official Man City Approach for Striker Edinson Cavanihttp://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/21/napoli-confirm-official-man-city-approach-for-striker-edinson-cavani/ http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/21/napoli-confirm-official-man-city-approach-for-striker-edinson-cavani/#comments Tue, 21 May 2013 15:43:12 +0000 Mark Brus http://www.caughtoffside.com/?p=145878 Napoli officials have met with City to discuss Cavani deal.

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Napoli chief Aurelio De Laurentiis has revealed that the club have spoken with Manchester City about their interest in star player Edinson Cavani, according to Sky Sports.

De Laurentiis was said to be in London discussing an approach for Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez, though he denies this and says he was there to work on a film as part of his role as a film producer.

However, he apparently instructed his sporting director Riccardo Bigon to meet with City to discuss the possible transfer of Cavani to the Etihad Stadium.

Napoli are prepared to sell their in-demand striker, who is also wanted by Chelsea and Real Madrid, but they want City's Edin Dzeko in return for the Uruguayan hit man.

"I did not go to London for Benitez," he said. "Yesterday [Monday] I was in London with Chiavelli and Bigon and for a simple reason: I have to prepare for the release of the film on Steve Jobs.

"Though, I told Bigon: 'Go to City and have a moment to negotiate Dzeko and what they are willing to do for Cavani'."

Cavani is a prime target for City this summer, after scoring 38 goals in all competitions this season, and they want him to fire them back to Premier League glory next year.

]]> Napoli officials have met with City to discuss Cavani deal.

Check in to Transfer Window: Done Deal Alerts

Napoli chief Aurelio De Laurentiis has revealed that the club have spoken with Manchester City about their interest in star player Edinson Cavani, according to Sky Sports.

De Laurentiis was said to be in London discussing an approach for Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez, though he denies this and says he was there to work on a film as part of his role as a film producer.

However, he apparently instructed his sporting director Riccardo Bigon to meet with City to discuss the possible transfer of Cavani to the Etihad Stadium.

Napoli are prepared to sell their in-demand striker, who is also wanted by Chelsea and Real Madrid, but they want City's Edin Dzeko in return for the Uruguayan hit man.

"I did not go to London for Benitez," he said. "Yesterday [Monday] I was in London with Chiavelli and Bigon and for a simple reason: I have to prepare for the release of the film on Steve Jobs.

"Though, I told Bigon: 'Go to City and have a moment to negotiate Dzeko and what they are willing to do for Cavani'."

Cavani is a prime target for City this summer, after scoring 38 goals in all competitions this season, and they want him to fire them back to Premier League glory next year.

]]> http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/21/napoli-confirm-official-man-city-approach-for-striker-edinson-cavani/feed/ 0 Mark BrusTue, 21 May 13 16:43:12 +0000Napoli officials have met with City to discuss Cavani deal. Frank Lampard Thanks Jose Mourinho For Influence On His Careerhttp://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/21/frank-lampard-thanks-jose-mourinho-for-influence-on-his-career/ http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/21/frank-lampard-thanks-jose-mourinho-for-influence-on-his-career/#comments Tue, 21 May 2013 15:07:22 +0000 Mark Brus http://www.caughtoffside.com/?p=145818 Chelsea midfielder believes Mourinho made him one of the best in the world.

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Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has heaped praise on Jose Mourinho on talkSPORT for the effect the Portuguese coach had on his career.

The Real Madrid manager spent four years at Stamford Bridge between 2004 and 2007, helping the Blues to two Premier League titles win, and helping their rise to domestic and European domination.

Mourinho is widely expected to return to the club as manager this season after a difficult spell in Spain, and Lampard believes his old boss is the best manager in the world, and is grateful to him for helping him develop into the player he is today.

"I have had really good managers at times but it's the ones that get the best out of you," said the 34-year-old. "Mourinho brought my confidence to a level that it had never been.

"Tactically, he's very astute and, as a team, he sets you up brilliantly. What he does is get the best out of players, and gets this togetherness I'd never known until he came to the club and I haven't seen it again since then.

"He's brilliant with his team, he's brilliant with individuals and I think he's brilliant with the press. Now I know he creates a storm here and there but he does protect his players."
Lampard recently agreed a new one-year extension to his Chelsea contract, after looking for much of the season like he might leave the club. However, Mourinho is said to be keen on keeping the former West Ham man around if he returns to the club in the summer.


]]> Chelsea midfielder believes Mourinho made him one of the best in the world.

Check in to Transfer Window: Done Deal Alerts

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has heaped praise on Jose Mourinho on talkSPORT for the effect the Portuguese coach had on his career.

The Real Madrid manager spent four years at Stamford Bridge between 2004 and 2007, helping the Blues to two Premier League titles win, and helping their rise to domestic and European domination.

Mourinho is widely expected to return to the club as manager this season after a difficult spell in Spain, and Lampard believes his old boss is the best manager in the world, and is grateful to him for helping him develop into the player he is today.

"I have had really good managers at times but it's the ones that get the best out of you," said the 34-year-old. "Mourinho brought my confidence to a level that it had never been.

"Tactically, he's very astute and, as a team, he sets you up brilliantly. What he does is get the best out of players, and gets this togetherness I'd never known until he came to the club and I haven't seen it again since then.

"He's brilliant with his team, he's brilliant with individuals and I think he's brilliant with the press. Now I know he creates a storm here and there but he does protect his players."
Lampard recently agreed a new one-year extension to his Chelsea contract, after looking for much of the season like he might leave the club. However, Mourinho is said to be keen on keeping the former West Ham man around if he returns to the club in the summer.


]]> http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/21/frank-lampard-thanks-jose-mourinho-for-influence-on-his-career/feed/ 0 Mark BrusTue, 21 May 13 16:07:22 +0000Chelsea midfielder believes Mourinho made him one of the best in the world. Spanish Press Stick the Knife In Following Jose Mourinho Real Madrid Exit Announcementhttp://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/21/spanish-press-stick-the-knife-in-following-jose-mourinho-real-madrid-exit-announcement/ http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/21/spanish-press-stick-the-knife-in-following-jose-mourinho-real-madrid-exit-announcement/#comments Tue, 21 May 2013 14:39:02 +0000 The Newshound http://www.caughtoffside.com/?p=145863 Outgoing Bernabeu boss subjected to relentless press attack.



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The Spanish national press took great joy in sticking the knife into outgoing Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho, looking to conduct one last attack before he packs his bags, with a move to Chelsea on the cards.

"The Special End" ran the front page headline of top-selling sports paper Marca, superimposed on a photograph of a football shirt being held up by Mourinho and club president Florentino Perez.

"Much ado about nothing," concluded the headline of rival sports daily AS, which recalled the price tag of Mourinho's term. "50 million euros in contracts and another 162 million in player signings," it said.

"Mourinho left us with few titles and a lot of hassles," AS said.

Mourinho is leaving at the end of the season, the club announced on Monday, and he has been strongly linked with a return to Chelsea, a team he managed between 2004 and 2007.

He endured a torrid final season culminating in Friday's defeat by Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey final that ensured Real end the season without a major trophy.

"Thanks, Mou, for making us worse," said Orfeo Suarez, sports commentator of conservative daily El Mundo.

Suarez listed an array of Mourinho sins such as leaving captain Iker Casillas on the bench for half of the season; devaluing the prestige of the club; questioning the votes that chose Spain manager Vicente del Bosque as FIFA 2012 coach of the year; and dividing the club's fans.

"Thanks to Mou, Mou is worse too, aged and crushed, defeated and heading back to a capricious, wealthy man's club but far from the dream of Old Trafford," he said, alluding to speculation that Mourinho had dreamt of taking over as Manchester United coach after the retirement of Alex Ferguson.

Barcelona-based sports daily Mundo Deportivo said Mourinho had been touted as the 'antichrist' to then Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola and the remedy to the Catalans' domination.

"He leaves the Bernabeu having failed, a long way from equalling the balance except for some occasional one-on-one clashes."

Fellow Catalan daily Sport ran a front-page photograph showing Mourinho from the back as he departed through a door marked "Exit". The paper quoted Carles Vallarubi, vice president of Barcelona as saying: "Mou was a scar on Spanish football."

Despite rumours linking Paris Sant-Germain boss Carlo Ancelotti with the manager's job at Real Madrid, Perez says he has not reached an agreement with any coach to succeed Mourinho.

]]> Outgoing Bernabeu boss subjected to relentless press attack.



Check in to Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid

The Spanish national press took great joy in sticking the knife into outgoing Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho, looking to conduct one last attack before he packs his bags, with a move to Chelsea on the cards.

"The Special End" ran the front page headline of top-selling sports paper Marca, superimposed on a photograph of a football shirt being held up by Mourinho and club president Florentino Perez.

"Much ado about nothing," concluded the headline of rival sports daily AS, which recalled the price tag of Mourinho's term. "50 million euros in contracts and another 162 million in player signings," it said.

"Mourinho left us with few titles and a lot of hassles," AS said.

Mourinho is leaving at the end of the season, the club announced on Monday, and he has been strongly linked with a return to Chelsea, a team he managed between 2004 and 2007.

He endured a torrid final season culminating in Friday's defeat by Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey final that ensured Real end the season without a major trophy.

"Thanks, Mou, for making us worse," said Orfeo Suarez, sports commentator of conservative daily El Mundo.

Suarez listed an array of Mourinho sins such as leaving captain Iker Casillas on the bench for half of the season; devaluing the prestige of the club; questioning the votes that chose Spain manager Vicente del Bosque as FIFA 2012 coach of the year; and dividing the club's fans.

"Thanks to Mou, Mou is worse too, aged and crushed, defeated and heading back to a capricious, wealthy man's club but far from the dream of Old Trafford," he said, alluding to speculation that Mourinho had dreamt of taking over as Manchester United coach after the retirement of Alex Ferguson.

Barcelona-based sports daily Mundo Deportivo said Mourinho had been touted as the 'antichrist' to then Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola and the remedy to the Catalans' domination.

"He leaves the Bernabeu having failed, a long way from equalling the balance except for some occasional one-on-one clashes."

Fellow Catalan daily Sport ran a front-page photograph showing Mourinho from the back as he departed through a door marked "Exit". The paper quoted Carles Vallarubi, vice president of Barcelona as saying: "Mou was a scar on Spanish football."

Despite rumours linking Paris Sant-Germain boss Carlo Ancelotti with the manager's job at Real Madrid, Perez says he has not reached an agreement with any coach to succeed Mourinho.

]]> http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/21/spanish-press-stick-the-knife-in-following-jose-mourinho-real-madrid-exit-announcement/feed/ 0 The NewshoundTue, 21 May 13 15:39:02 +0000Outgoing Bernabeu boss subjected to relentless press attack. Danny Rose May Still Have Tottenham Future After Impressive Sunderland Loan Spellhttp://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/21/danny-rose-may-still-have-tottenham-future-after-impressive-sunderland-loan-spell/ http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/21/danny-rose-may-still-have-tottenham-future-after-impressive-sunderland-loan-spell/#comments Tue, 21 May 2013 14:14:46 +0000 Mark Brus http://www.caughtoffside.com/?p=145876 Spurs boss impressed with Rose's performances for Sunderland.

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Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas may still consider giving a first team place to left-back Danny Rose next season, after the youngster impressed on loan for Sunderland this year.

Speaking to the Daily Express, the Portuguese coach admitted Rose's displays have given him something to think about, despite his pursuit of Inter Milan left-back Alvaro Pereira. Spurs are also said to be of several clubs watching young Southampton left-back Luke Shaw.

Benoit Assou-Ekotto is also rumoured to be leaving Spurs this summer, but Rose didn't initially seem in line to replace him. Sunderland had hoped to keep him permanently, and Liverpool are also said to be monitoring his situation, but it now seems that he could work his way into Villas-Boas' first team next season.

"He has had a great season in Sunderland," said the Spurs boss. "We are aware of it. He's a player we have to consider.

"There are decisions to be made at this club in the summer.

"We have to look to build, but we are also aware that we have to hold on to good players to improve as a club."

The manager's main concern this summer will be keeping hold of Gareth Bale, with the Spurs star being lined up by Real Madrid and Manchester United.

]]> Spurs boss impressed with Rose's performances for Sunderland.

Check in to Transfer Window: Done Deal Alerts

Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas may still consider giving a first team place to left-back Danny Rose next season, after the youngster impressed on loan for Sunderland this year.

Speaking to the Daily Express, the Portuguese coach admitted Rose's displays have given him something to think about, despite his pursuit of Inter Milan left-back Alvaro Pereira. Spurs are also said to be of several clubs watching young Southampton left-back Luke Shaw.

Benoit Assou-Ekotto is also rumoured to be leaving Spurs this summer, but Rose didn't initially seem in line to replace him. Sunderland had hoped to keep him permanently, and Liverpool are also said to be monitoring his situation, but it now seems that he could work his way into Villas-Boas' first team next season.

"He has had a great season in Sunderland," said the Spurs boss. "We are aware of it. He's a player we have to consider.

"There are decisions to be made at this club in the summer.

"We have to look to build, but we are also aware that we have to hold on to good players to improve as a club."

The manager's main concern this summer will be keeping hold of Gareth Bale, with the Spurs star being lined up by Real Madrid and Manchester United.

]]> http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/21/danny-rose-may-still-have-tottenham-future-after-impressive-sunderland-loan-spell/feed/ 0 Mark BrusTue, 21 May 13 15:14:46 +0000Spurs boss impressed with Rose's performances for Sunderland. Arsenal Plot Summer Spending Spree: £19m Real Madrid Striker Tops Ambitious Seven Man Shopping-Listhttp://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/21/arsenal-plot-summer-spending-spree-19m-real-madrid-striker-tops-ambitious-seven-man-shopping-list/ http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/21/arsenal-plot-summer-spending-spree-19m-real-madrid-striker-tops-ambitious-seven-man-shopping-list/#comments Tue, 21 May 2013 10:06:37 +0000 The Newshound http://www.caughtoffside.com/?p=145857 Emirates Stadium side to make the most of financial boost from securing Champions League qualification as well as big money sponsorship deals.



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Arsene Wenger is ready to splash the cash having seen his side secure that all important Champions League berth and according to the Daily Telegraph the Gunners number one summer target comes in the form of Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain.

The 26 year old Argentine, said to be available for an Arsenal club record fee of £19m, appears set to leave the Bernabeu this summer as Real Madrid look to conduct something of a squad shake-up.

Higuain has struggled for a regular run in the Real Madrid first team during Jose Mourinho's reign but has still scored with alarming regularity. Another member of the Spanish giant's squad is also on Wenger's wish-list with Karim Benzema also interesting the Arsenal boss, though one imagines he may cost the North London club a fair bit more than his team-mate.

Auxerre's French forward Yaya Sanogo (C)

Wenger confirmed last week that he was in talks with Auxerre over the signing of young forward Yaya Sanogo and it certainly seems as though beefing up his attack is the French manager's top priority. Moves to capture Fiorentina forward Stevan Jovetic are also continuing apace.

New commercial deals, most prominent being with Puma and Emirates, will result in a massive boost to Wenger's financial pulling power, which in turn will allow the long serving Arsenal manager to break the club's wage ceiling to help attract big names this summer.

Piszcek Arsenal

As well as a search for a prolific forward Arsenal are also scouting for a new keeper, a defensive midfielder and a right-back.

This source believes that Stoke City's Asmir Begovic, Toulouse battler Étienne Capoue and Borussia Dortmund wide-man Lukasz Piszczek have respectively been scouted to fill those positions.

]]> Emirates Stadium side to make the most of financial boost from securing Champions League qualification as well as big money sponsorship deals.



Check in to Transfer Window: Done Deal Alerts

Arsene Wenger is ready to splash the cash having seen his side secure that all important Champions League berth and according to the Daily Telegraph the Gunners number one summer target comes in the form of Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain.

The 26 year old Argentine, said to be available for an Arsenal club record fee of £19m, appears set to leave the Bernabeu this summer as Real Madrid look to conduct something of a squad shake-up.

Higuain has struggled for a regular run in the Real Madrid first team during Jose Mourinho's reign but has still scored with alarming regularity. Another member of the Spanish giant's squad is also on Wenger's wish-list with Karim Benzema also interesting the Arsenal boss, though one imagines he may cost the North London club a fair bit more than his team-mate.

Auxerre's French forward Yaya Sanogo (C)

Wenger confirmed last week that he was in talks with Auxerre over the signing of young forward Yaya Sanogo and it certainly seems as though beefing up his attack is the French manager's top priority. Moves to capture Fiorentina forward Stevan Jovetic are also continuing apace.

New commercial deals, most prominent being with Puma and Emirates, will result in a massive boost to Wenger's financial pulling power, which in turn will allow the long serving Arsenal manager to break the club's wage ceiling to help attract big names this summer.

Piszcek Arsenal

As well as a search for a prolific forward Arsenal are also scouting for a new keeper, a defensive midfielder and a right-back.

This source believes that Stoke City's Asmir Begovic, Toulouse battler Étienne Capoue and Borussia Dortmund wide-man Lukasz Piszczek have respectively been scouted to fill those positions.

]]> http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/21/arsenal-plot-summer-spending-spree-19m-real-madrid-striker-tops-ambitious-seven-man-shopping-list/feed/ 0 The NewshoundTue, 21 May 13 11:06:37 +0000Emirates Stadium side to make the most of financial boost from securing Champions League qualification as well as big money sponsorship deals. Chelsea Set to Unveil Jose Mourinho as New Blues Boss On June 2ndhttp://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/21/chelsea-set-to-unveil-jose-mourinho-as-new-blues-boss-on-june-2nd/ http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/21/chelsea-set-to-unveil-jose-mourinho-as-new-blues-boss-on-june-2nd/#comments Tue, 21 May 2013 08:58:15 +0000 The Newshound http://www.caughtoffside.com/?p=145840 Stamford Bridge return edges closer.



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Chelsea will look to unveil Jose Mourinho as the permanent successor to Rafa Benitez on June 2nd according to the Daily Star.

Real Madrid have agreed to allow the 50 year old Portuguese boss to leave the Bernabeu for free, opting to cancel Mourinho's contract at the end of the current campaign which in turn eliminates the requirement of any third party to cover an estimated £17m release clause.

Mourinho had three years left on his current deal but Real Madrid president Florentino Perez was seemingly keen to bring a swift end to his reign and no doubt hopes to replace the 'Special One' as soon as possible.

Perez confirmed: “After the talks with our coach Jose Mourinho we have reached the agreement to end the contractual relationship at the end of this season.

“Both the club and the coach agree that it is the right moment to end this relationship.

“Achievements this season haven’t been sufficient for demands of a club such as Real Madrid, or a coach like Mourinho.”

Mourinho's final game in charge of the Spanish giants comes on June 1st as Real Madrid host Osasuna to bring the curtain down on a poor season that saw the club fail to secure any silverware.

]]> Stamford Bridge return edges closer.



Check in to Transfer Window: Done Deal Alerts

Chelsea will look to unveil Jose Mourinho as the permanent successor to Rafa Benitez on June 2nd according to the Daily Star.

Real Madrid have agreed to allow the 50 year old Portuguese boss to leave the Bernabeu for free, opting to cancel Mourinho's contract at the end of the current campaign which in turn eliminates the requirement of any third party to cover an estimated £17m release clause.

Mourinho had three years left on his current deal but Real Madrid president Florentino Perez was seemingly keen to bring a swift end to his reign and no doubt hopes to replace the 'Special One' as soon as possible.

Perez confirmed: “After the talks with our coach Jose Mourinho we have reached the agreement to end the contractual relationship at the end of this season.

“Both the club and the coach agree that it is the right moment to end this relationship.

“Achievements this season haven’t been sufficient for demands of a club such as Real Madrid, or a coach like Mourinho.”

Mourinho's final game in charge of the Spanish giants comes on June 1st as Real Madrid host Osasuna to bring the curtain down on a poor season that saw the club fail to secure any silverware.

]]> http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/21/chelsea-set-to-unveil-jose-mourinho-as-new-blues-boss-on-june-2nd/feed/ 0 The NewshoundTue, 21 May 13 09:58:15 +0000Stamford Bridge return edges closer. Chelsea Linked With ‘Gatecrash’ Move to Sign Brazil Star Neymar as Barcelona Switch Hits Snaghttp://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/20/chelsea-linked-with-gatecrash-move-to-sign-brazil-star-neymar-as-barcelona-switch-hits-snag/ http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/20/chelsea-linked-with-gatecrash-move-to-sign-brazil-star-neymar-as-barcelona-switch-hits-snag/#comments Mon, 20 May 2013 22:49:19 +0000 Mark Brus http://www.caughtoffside.com/?p=145788 Manchester City and Chelsea could pounce as Barcelona move falls through.

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One of the most sought-after young talents in the world could still be set for the Premier League, with the Daily Star claiming that Neymar's proposed move to Barcelona has hit a snag.

The 21-year-old's move from Santos to the Nou Camp looked done and dusted not long ago, though it now appears that the two clubs have come into disagreement over a fee.

Real Madrid are also interested in the talented striker, but Manchester City and Chelsea will take this opportunity to renew their interest in bringing Neymar to England.

The Brazilian has scored an incredible 136 goals in 222 games for Santos already, and is itching for a move to Europe to test himself on the big stage, with great things expected of him in his future career.

City and Chelsea are known to be targeting strikers this summer, with both competing for Edinson Cavani and Radamel Falcao, but could now make Neymar their priority after being alerted to his availability.

Barcelona, meanwhile, have been linked with Liverpool's Luis Suarez as an alternative to Neymar.

]]> Manchester City and Chelsea could pounce as Barcelona move falls through.

Check in to Transfer Window: Done Deal Alerts

One of the most sought-after young talents in the world could still be set for the Premier League, with the Daily Star claiming that Neymar's proposed move to Barcelona has hit a snag.

The 21-year-old's move from Santos to the Nou Camp looked done and dusted not long ago, though it now appears that the two clubs have come into disagreement over a fee.

Real Madrid are also interested in the talented striker, but Manchester City and Chelsea will take this opportunity to renew their interest in bringing Neymar to England.

The Brazilian has scored an incredible 136 goals in 222 games for Santos already, and is itching for a move to Europe to test himself on the big stage, with great things expected of him in his future career.

City and Chelsea are known to be targeting strikers this summer, with both competing for Edinson Cavani and Radamel Falcao, but could now make Neymar their priority after being alerted to his availability.

Barcelona, meanwhile, have been linked with Liverpool's Luis Suarez as an alternative to Neymar.

]]> http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/20/chelsea-linked-with-gatecrash-move-to-sign-brazil-star-neymar-as-barcelona-switch-hits-snag/feed/ 0 Mark BrusMon, 20 May 13 23:49:19 +0000Manchester City and Chelsea could pounce as Barcelona move falls through. Official: Real Madrid Confirm Jose Mourinho Will Leave At The End Of The Seasonhttp://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/20/official-real-madrid-confirm-jose-mourinho-will-leave-at-the-end-of-the-season/ http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/20/official-real-madrid-confirm-jose-mourinho-will-leave-at-the-end-of-the-season/#comments Mon, 20 May 2013 19:02:29 +0000 Mark Brus http://www.caughtoffside.com/?p=145824 Spanish giants release statement confirming Mourinho exit.

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Real Madrid club president Fiorentino Perez has confirmed that they will be parting company with manager Jose Mourinho at the end of this season, according to the Guardian.

The 50-year-old has had a difficult year with the Bernebeu club, failing to win a major trophy in a season for the first time in his career, and is widely tipped to be replaced by PSG boss Carlo Ancelotti.

Mourinho, meanwhile, will now be free to talk to Chelsea, as he seems likely to be heading back to Stamford Bridge after a six year absence, to replace departing interim manager Rafael Benitez.

Perez said: "We have decided to bring our relationship to an end at the end of the current season. The club and manager agree the timing is right to bring our relationship to an end.

"On behalf of the board of directors I would like to thank José Mourinho for all his hard work over the last three years. The team have improved in the last three years and we wish him all the best."

Mourinho won two league titles in his time at Chelsea, but left the club in 2007 after falling out with owner Roman Abramovich, though the two now seem happy to work together again.

The Portuguese tactician went on to enjoy further success at Inter Milan, winning the Champions League in his second season at the San Siro, before being chosen to take over at Real Madrid.

He led Real to the title last season, but has failed to follow up his success this time round, and has fallen out with a number of the players in his squad.

]]> Spanish giants release statement confirming Mourinho exit.

Check in to Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid

Real Madrid club president Fiorentino Perez has confirmed that they will be parting company with manager Jose Mourinho at the end of this season, according to the Guardian.

The 50-year-old has had a difficult year with the Bernebeu club, failing to win a major trophy in a season for the first time in his career, and is widely tipped to be replaced by PSG boss Carlo Ancelotti.

Mourinho, meanwhile, will now be free to talk to Chelsea, as he seems likely to be heading back to Stamford Bridge after a six year absence, to replace departing interim manager Rafael Benitez.

Perez said: "We have decided to bring our relationship to an end at the end of the current season. The club and manager agree the timing is right to bring our relationship to an end.

"On behalf of the board of directors I would like to thank José Mourinho for all his hard work over the last three years. The team have improved in the last three years and we wish him all the best."

Mourinho won two league titles in his time at Chelsea, but left the club in 2007 after falling out with owner Roman Abramovich, though the two now seem happy to work together again.

The Portuguese tactician went on to enjoy further success at Inter Milan, winning the Champions League in his second season at the San Siro, before being chosen to take over at Real Madrid.

He led Real to the title last season, but has failed to follow up his success this time round, and has fallen out with a number of the players in his squad.

]]> http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/20/official-real-madrid-confirm-jose-mourinho-will-leave-at-the-end-of-the-season/feed/ 0 Mark BrusMon, 20 May 13 20:02:29 +0000Spanish giants release statement confirming Mourinho exit. Gareth Bale Signs New £130k a Week Tottenham Contract: Reportshttp://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/20/gareth-bale-signs-new-130k-a-week-tottenham-contract-reports/ http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/20/gareth-bale-signs-new-130k-a-week-tottenham-contract-reports/#comments Mon, 20 May 2013 14:03:11 +0000 Mark Brus http://www.caughtoffside.com/?p=145782 Welsh winger said to have committed future to Spurs.

Check in to Transfer Window: Done Deal Alerts

The London Evening Standard claims that Tottenham will be handed the boost of Gareth Bale signing a new contract with the club.

The 23-year-old has been in sensational form for the North London club this season, and finished the campaign with a wonderful solo strike against Sunderland yesterday, though it wasn't enough to secure Champions League football at White Hart Lane next year.

It was thought that Bale would be tempted by a move away from the club to be playing at the top level in Europe, with Real Madrid and Manchester United both said to be chasing the Welshman.

However, it now seems that the former Southampton man will stick it out with Tottenham at least for the time being, putting pen to paper on a new bumper contract worth £130,000 a week.

This will come as good news for manager Andre Villas-Boas, who will want to keep his best player in a bid to challenge for the top four again next season, and made keeping Bale a priority over any other signings in this summer's transfer window.

Real Madrid and United will now turn their attentions elsewhere as they look to add quality attacking players to their lineups next season.

]]> Welsh winger said to have committed future to Spurs.

Check in to Transfer Window: Done Deal Alerts

The London Evening Standard claims that Tottenham will be handed the boost of Gareth Bale signing a new contract with the club.

The 23-year-old has been in sensational form for the North London club this season, and finished the campaign with a wonderful solo strike against Sunderland yesterday, though it wasn't enough to secure Champions League football at White Hart Lane next year.

It was thought that Bale would be tempted by a move away from the club to be playing at the top level in Europe, with Real Madrid and Manchester United both said to be chasing the Welshman.

However, it now seems that the former Southampton man will stick it out with Tottenham at least for the time being, putting pen to paper on a new bumper contract worth £130,000 a week.

This will come as good news for manager Andre Villas-Boas, who will want to keep his best player in a bid to challenge for the top four again next season, and made keeping Bale a priority over any other signings in this summer's transfer window.

Real Madrid and United will now turn their attentions elsewhere as they look to add quality attacking players to their lineups next season.

]]> http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/05/20/gareth-bale-signs-new-130k-a-week-tottenham-contract-reports/feed/ 0 Mark BrusMon, 20 May 13 15:03:11 +0000Welsh winger said to have committed future to Spurs.